Thursday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 5 Wounded

At least five Iraqis were killed and five more were
wounded in light violence. Back in the U.S., defense secretary candidate
Leon Panetta appeared before the Senate.

At a defense secretary confirmation hearing, nominee Leon
Panetta, who currently is C.I.A. director, said he expects
Iraq to ask for some U.S. troops to remain after 2011, and he will support that
request. Fewer than 50,000 U.S. troops are now in Iraq. Six of them died in
hostile attacks this week.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has given his
ministers 100
more days to significantly improve their performances. Their first deadline
came this week with little to show for it. Critics say the coalition government
prevents Maliki from massive dismissals.